There are plenty of expensive, powerful gaming desktops out there, but the reality is that most shoppers are working within a modest budget. Available August 21 at a starting price of just $749, the Dell G5 Desktop is made for those users who don't have thousands of dollars allocated to their gaming budget. This is far from Dell's first such tower (we previously loved the Inspiron Gaming Desktop, for instance), but this is a brand-new entry in its gaming-specific G Series line. Of course, being a Dell, it can be configured and scaled up significantly from its starting price, so there should be something for every budget. It's also a compact build, with its space-saving form a good fit for college students and others who are gaming in tight quarters. We were able to check it out first-hand at a preview event in New York, so read on for more details and impressions.
A Full-Size Gaming Experience in a Tight Package
The Dell G5's size is one of its most easily noticeable features. Its spiritual predecessor, the Inspiron Gaming Desktop, was relatively compact, but the G5 has even even smaller footprint. It measures just 14.45 by 6.65 by 12.12 inches (HWD), with the foot-long depth being particularly impressive. The tower isn't very long from back to front, allowing you to fit it into tighter and more space-limited spots on your desk or floor. Its compact size, however, doesn't mean it lacks style...
Surprise! An Interior Window on a Budget System
This window on the left flank was somewhat surprising when I stepped around from the right side and saw it for the first time. Systems in this price range don't often include a window cutout, as they tend to go more for function than form. The Inspiron Gaming Tower hid a rather messy interior behind its removable door, but Dell is upping its game with this (optional) offering.
Marvel at the Components...and the Options
Rather than hide a mess inside, Dell worked to arrange the interior neatly and attractively so it could be shown. While not on par with high-end desktops with hard line liquid cooling and other fancy flourishes, it's attractive to look at. You can pack a wide range of components into that space, making your more budget-minded layout or higher-spec build look more expensive than it is.
On the processor side, Dell offers anything from an Intel Core i3-9100 through to a Core i9-9900K, with i5 and i7 options in between. For GPUs, you can get a an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, or go for an RTX flavor with either a 2060, 2070, or even a 2080. You can also opt for AMD, but the Radeon RX560X is the only choice. Storage ranges from small (256GB) single solid-state drives or roomier hard drives (1TB) to any combo of a small or large SSD (up to 1TB) and HDD (up to 2TB) together. The higher-spec configurations of this system, clearly, are no joke, and would be able to handle any game at high frame rates.
On the processor side, Dell offers anything from an Intel Core i3-9100 through to a Core i9-9900K, with i5 and i7 options in between. For GPUs, you can get a an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, or go for an RTX flavor with either a 2060, 2070, or even a 2080. You can also opt for AMD, but the Radeon RX560X is the only choice. Storage ranges from small (256GB) single solid-state drives or roomier hard drives (1TB) to any combo of a small or large SSD (up to 1TB) and HDD (up to 2TB) together. The higher-spec configurations of this system, clearly, are no joke, and would be able to handle any game at high frame rates.
A Touch of Flair
Not all the bling is saved for the interior, as you can see form the front lighting. It adds a bit of style, and lets you know this is a gaming machine without going over the top. The same can be said for the geometric shape of the whole front panel, which adds a bit of edge. That aspect may be a little more divisive, but at least it adds some fun to what is a machine meant for entertainment. Note that the lighting only comes in blue.
Useful Front Ports
One last point of interest is the front ports. You'll find one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.1 port, a USB-C port, and of course a headphone jack. There's nothing too fancy, then, but a USB-C port on an ostensibly budget system (and in the front, not the harder-to-access rear) is a helpful addition.
Stylish, Compact, and Upgradable
Altogether, the shape, interior, and exterior styling adds up to a nice-looking machine. For a gaming machine, it has a respectable balance of flair and restraint. The door is easily removable, as well, to allow access for maintenance and upgrades. There are three storage bays inside, should you like to add more drives to your setup after purchase.